Inside Scoop
When I first became a mother, I was intimidated by New York City and all it has to offer children. Where to start?
It took years of trial and error, word-of-mouth recommendations, and a bit of confidence to figure out that this city is actually one of the most wonderful and family-friendly places to raise little ones.
Today, Natasha and Chloe, together with my husband and I, adore investigating new museums and shows, exploring neighborhoods and discovering new playgrounds and restaurants together as a family.
But it helps to have a source – an “Inside Scoop,” if you will – to point you in the right direction, which is why we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of our favorite kid-friendly places in NYC.
-Tracey Frost Rensky
With children in tow, New York City can intimidate even the most adventurous of grown-ups. We here at Citibabes have rounded up our favorite places to see, eat, learn, and shop to give you the Inside Scoop on how to explore The Big Apple in little bites.
Top Picks from Sararose Anderson, General Manager of Citibabes SoHo:
Become a prince or princess and play pretend at Belvedere Castle in Central Park.
Enjoy dinner at Keste Pizzeria where the children can ask questions while watching the pizza makers make pizza! Keste Pizzeria is located on Bleeker Street in the West Village.
Go for a sundae at Sweetiepie and enjoy the magical birdcage table in the window as well as their exciting soda shop décor.
Play with flubber at the Children’s Museum of the Arts on Lafayette Street and work on fun art projects.
Take a adventure to find the secret Downing Street playground in the village. Need some help? Visit http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=8714.
Visit Balloon Saloon to pick out a bouquet of fun balloons. While you’re there, play with all the trinkets and old school toys.
AQUARIUM
New York Aquarium
See a re-creation of the Pacific coastline and get a glimpse of the creatures that live (more like survive!) in the East River, plus your requisite dolphin show, a sea lion natural-talent show, and some truly awesome sharks and jellyfish. A new exhibit, “Glover’s Reef,” replicates the notable Belize coastal area that is home to moray eels, stingrays, snappers, groupers, sharks and angelfish. Also on display is Otis Barton and William Beebe’s Bathysphere, a deep-sea diving vessel that allowed scientists to submerge to unprecedented depths in the 1930’s. Sea lion demos: Daily at noon, 2, 4pm.
Surf Ave at W 8th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn (tickets: 718.265.3454; to register for family programs: 718.265.3448). Subway: D, F, N, W to Coney Island—Stilwell Ave. Price: adults-$11; seniors and children-$7; under 2-free. www.nyaquarium.org
DANCE
Family Matters at Dance Theater Workshop
Curated by Keely Garfield and Peggy Peloquin, Dance Theater Workshop’s Family Matters Series was created for families looking to introduce their children to fun, intelligent, and provocative live performance. These relaxed, one-of-a-kind showcases embrace dance, music, and theater. They also provide an opportunity to turn off your gadgets and experience live performance art made for all ages, presented in kid-friendly, bite-size pieces.
Dance Theater Workshop, 219 West 19th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues (Box office phone: 212.924.0077). Kids free for Family Matters series; an adult must accompany children under 13. www.dancetheaterworkshop.org
EAT
Alice’s Tea Cup
With brunchy goodness like pumpkin pancakes and blackberry crepes to lunchtime yummies like veggie burgers and BLT’s, it’s no wonder this fairy-tale eatery attracts mini-Disney princesses and their grown-up Anglophiles (Alice’s exhaustive tea list is painstakingly brewed). When you’re tummy’s full, pop by their tea cup gift shop and snag a pair of sparkly fairy wings before you flutter off to Central Park, convenient to each of Alice’s three uptown “chapters”.
Alice’s Tea Cup, 102 W 73rd St at Columbus Ave; 156 E 64th St at Lexington Ave; 220 E 83rd St at 3rd Ave. www.alicesteacup.com
Babycakes
It’s tough to think something that tastes so good can also be good for you, but the treats at this bakery catering to “persnickety” diets is perfect for little ones with allergies or especially susceptible to that dreaded sugar-high. Gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, casein-free, egg-free, vegan, and kosher might have you wondering what’s actually left to put in these delicious baked goods, but their cupcakes, cookies, brownies, muffins, scones, and biscuits (sweetened with all-natural agave syrup) will never leave you wanting, just wanting more.
Babycakes 248 Broome St between Orchard and Ludlow, 212.677.5047. Open Mon – Sun at 10am. www.babycakesnyc.com
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Family-owned and run for over 28 years, this “unofficial landmark” may be a bit unassuming, but the rave reviews and critic’s awards outfitting the walls keep the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory a cult-favorite and guide-book highlight for visitors from all over the globe. With undeniable favorites like strawberry shortcake and Oreo cookie to more exotic tastes like avocado and wasabi, it’s no wonder this Mecca for frozen treats beats out those other 32 flavors, eh-hem.
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, 65 Bayard St between Mott and Elizabeth Streets, 212.608.4170. Open Mon – Sun, 11am – 10pm. www.chinatownicecreamfactory.com
Kitchenette
Transport yourself to a 50’s country café at this whimsical diner serving up home-style cooking. With its signature pink and black polka dot walls and glass counter stacked with heavenly sweets, Kitchenette is like a greasy spoon all polished up. Turkey meatloaf and four-cheese baked macaroni are dinner favorites, while the breakfast and brunch crowd swarm for the buttermilk biscuits. Loosen your belt buckle ‘cause it’s gonna get yummy.
Kitchenette, 156 Chambers St at Greenwich St, Tribeca, 212.267.6740; 1272 Amsterdam Avenue at W 123rd St, Uptown, 212.531.7600. www.kitchenetterestaurant.com
Lombardi’s Pizza
Serving up pizza for over 100 years, Lombardi’s coal-oven pies are a tradition for New York City families. Comforting hallmarks of casual eating like checkered tablecloths and well-loved booths mean you’ll spy everyone from babies to grandpas, while the activity behind an open kitchen serves up distraction for antsy tots awaiting their slice of thin-crust heaven.
Lombardi’s Pizza, 32 Spring St at Mott St, 212.941.7994. www.firstpizza.com
Mooncake Foods
MSG-free and veggie-heavy, Mooncake Foods may have two booming locations (SoHo & Chelsea), but its philosophy is still mom-and-pop. With kid-friendly favorites like tofu kebabs, summer rolls and mango-chutney pork chops, Mooncake prides itself on affordable, healthy meals in its “Asian diner” atmosphere complete with Formica-counter and mismatched stools.
Mooncake Foods, 28 Watts St between Thompson St & Avenue of the Americas, 212.219.8888; 263 W 30th St between 7th & 8th Avenues, 212.268.2888. www.mooncakefoods.com
Peanut Butter & Co.
Their blue and white-striped awning is a beacon to the salty-sweet obsessed at this sandwich shop dedicated to everything peanut butter. Pairing the classic spread with favorites like strawberry jam and Marshmallow Fluff to more obscure combos like a PB-BLT and a Thai-satay-inspired spicy, peanut butter chicken sandwich means there’s way more to this condiment than crunchy or smooth.
Peanut Butter & Co., 240 Sullivan St at W 3rd St. 212.677.3995. Open Mon – Sun at 11am. www.ilovepeanutbutter.com
S’mac
The melted meeting of cheese and noodles is perfected at this East Village resto focused on the international symbol for comfort: mac and cheese. Touted as the best place for Mom’s cooking, we won’t tattle if you decide to hang up your oven mitt for the night and steal away to this home-away-from-home for maternal cuisine. With regular, multi-grain and gluten-free noodles – and now vegan and lactose-free versions, too! – there’s no excuse not to indulge.
S’Mac, 345 E 12th St between 1st & 2nd Avenues. 212.358.7912 www.smacnyc.com
ICE SKATING
Wollman Rink in Central Park
Central Park South, enter 59th St & 6th Ave. Wollman Rink is a two-minute walk into Central Park from this entrance. Follow the footpath directly into the park. (212.439.6900). Subway: A, B, C, D, 1, 9 to 59th St; N, R to 5th Ave; B, Q to 57th St). Hours: Mon & Tues: 10am – 2:30pm; Wed & Thurs: 10am – 10pm; Fri & Sat: 10am – 11pm; Sun: 10am – 9pm. www.wollmanskatingrink.com
Daily Rates Mon – Thurs Fri – Sun
Adults $ 9.50 $12.00
Children $ 4.75 $ 5.00
Seniors $ 4.75 $ 8.25
Skate Rentals $ 5.00 (tax incl.)
Lock Rental $ 3.75 (tax incl.)
*plus $6.25 deposit, refundable
MUSEUMS & LEARNING CENTERS
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Founded in 1973, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is New York City’s leading cultural institution dedicated solely to children and families. CMOM inspires children and their families to learn about themselves and a culturally diverse world through unique interactive exhibitions. CMOM presents a full range of activities, exhibits, and special performances that stimulate children of all ages. Through multidimensional programs that reach deep into the community, the museum serves New Yorkers from all backgrounds.
The Tisch Building at 212 W 83rd Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues. Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm. Admission $10 for children and adults; $7 for senior citizens; free for children under one year old and members. For more info call 212-721-1223 or visit www.cmom.org.
Museum of Natural History
• The Discovery Room: Ongoing, kids can touch real specimens (including a 400-million-year-old trilobite fossil), assemble skeletons, track earthquakes, hunt for creatures (stuffed) in a baobab tree and engage in other activities that emulate the work of AMNH scientists. • Irma and Paul Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life: Ongoing, the home of the famous blue-whale model. • The Arthur Ross Hall of Meteorites: Ongoing, interactive displays, computer animation and meteorite specimens, such as the 34-ton Ahnighito—the largest meteorite on display anywhere in the world—illuminate our 4.5-billion-year-old solar • Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth; a part of the Rose Center, teaches geological history through rock samples, computers, video displays and an ice core that contains climatic data going back 115,000system. • The Hall of Biodiversity: Ongoing, ecosystems and environmental preservation rule in this hall. •The Rose Center for Earth and Space: The space-age wing includes the Hayden Planetarium. Exhibits are text-heavy, but there’s an exciting elevator ride, as well as the Cosmic Pathway—a spiral ramp representing the 13 billion years since the Big Bang. On view in the Hayden Planetarium (for times and tickets, call 212-769-5200): Robert Redford narrates the museum’s brand-new Cosmic Collisions, about the explosions that shaped our solar system. Sonic Vision is for teens: The museum teamed with pop maestro Moby, who mixed Radiohead, Queens of the Stone Age and U2, among others, to make a pumping soundtrack for this computer-animated roller-coaster ride, which runs Friday nights.
Central Park West at 79th St (212.769.5100). Subway: B, C to 81st St—Museum of Natural History (B weekdays only). Admission: $13, adults; $10.50, students and seniors; $7, children. www.amnh.org
NY Hall of Science
Microbes, atoms, molecules, and rockets are just a handful of the over 450 interactive exhibits at NYSCI. The award-winning Science Playground features elements like slides, seesaws, sandpits, and fog machines, inviting kids to explore the scientific principles of motion, balance, sound, sight, sun, wind, and water (phew!). Preschool Place is designed for the youngest scientists and their caretakers to explore with nearly two-dozen hands-on exhibits including cranes, push pedals, magnets, fossils, and discovery boxes. Did we mention this place is jam-packed with awesomeness?
NY Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, 212.699.0005. Admission: $11, Adults; $8 for children, students and seniors. Science Playground Admission: $4 per person, $3 per groups plus general NYSCI admission. Free admission Sept – June on Fridays, 2pm – 5pm; Sundays 10am – 11am. Free hours are suspended in July and August. Hours vary by season and day; check website for times and information. www.nysci.org
NYC Police Museum
Test out a police car siren, get your “mug shot” taken by a friend, and set foot behind bars in a model jail cell, all when you visit The New York City Police Museum near Manhattan’s South Street Seaport. From bank robbers to mob bosses, this is the place to learn about the most notorious criminals in New York City history, and the men and women who keep us safe from them.
NYC Police Museum, 100 Old Slip between Water and Front Streets. Hours: Mon – Sun, 10am – 5pm. Admission: $7, adults; free for seniors, students and children. Call 212.480.3100 for more information or visit www.nycpolicemuseum.org
New York Transit Museum
Trains, planes and automobiles have fascinated children – especially city kids – for ages. Here is a museum that tackles the first with an underground spin: New York City’s quarter-century old Transit Museum which takes a comprehensive, and often interactive look, at the city’s network of public transportation. Make sure to check out the gift shop for toy subway cars and other must-haves printed in the iconic city subway map.
New York Transit Museum at the corner of Boreum Place and Schemerhorn Street, Brooklyn Heights. Hours: Tues – Fri, 10am – 4pm; Sat & Sun: 12pm – 5pm. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3 – 17 and seniors (62+); members free. Call 718.694.1600 for more information or visit www.mta.info
Skyscraper Museum
So, your little one mastered the art of building block towers (as well as knocking them over)? Then it’s time to take her to see the real thing at Lower Manhattan’s Skyscraper Museum. Exploring tall buildings through the lenses of design, construction, and technology, this little-known museum also offers Saturday morning workshops for kids during their Family Programs, featuring hands-on learning and demonstrations.
Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place near Bowling Green. Hours: Wed – Sun, 12pm – 6pm. Admission: $5, $2.50 for students and seniors. Call ahead for Family Program reservations at 212.945.6324 or email educations@skyscraper.org. Suggested donation is $5 per child. For more info visit www.skyscraper.org
South Street Seaport Museum
It’s anchors away at the South Street Seaport Museum where Manhattan’s colorful shipping history is brought to life right here in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. Featuring a marine life conservation lab, craft center, 19th-century print shop, archaeology center, and maritime library – not to mention the largest privately-owned fleet of historic ships in the country – seafaring imaginations are sure to set sail during nautical-themed family programs held year round.
South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton St at Front St, 212.. Admission: $15, Adults; $12, seniors & students; free for children under 2 and museum members. Ships only access, $10. Hours: Jan – Mar: Thurs – Sun, 10am – 5 pm; Ships open 10am – 4pm (weather permitting); closed Mon – Wed. April – Dec: Tues – Sun, 10am – 6pm, all galleries and ships are open; closed Mondays. For more information about the family programs events’ calendar, visit www.seany.org
MUSIC
Rug Concerts at Diller-Quaile School of Music
Whether your child is a prodigy pianist or just mastering the kazoo, Diller-Quaile School of Music’s Rug Concerts are guaranteed to be a musical treat. Young children are introduced to a variety of diverse instruments and musical periods during interactive, 45-minute concerts. Kids get the chance to sing, move and play rhythm instruments, too. Who knows, Lincoln Center may just be a harp, sax and a trumpet away for your mini maestro!
Rug Concerts at the Diller-Quaile, Ongoing, 24 East 95th Street, Manhattan. Friday: 1:30 PM & 2:30 PM; Saturday 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM & 11:30 AM. Cost is $20 per person, order tickets in advance. Ages 0-6. Visit www.diller-quaile.org or call (212) 369-1484.
PLACES
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden
Back in the early 19th century when 14th Street stood at the city limits’ edge, the Mount Vernon Hotel and Garden was advertised as a peaceful oasis from the frenetic pace of Manhattan’s bustle – and it was only at 61st Street! Come tour this historic carriage house’s restored interiors and garden, as well as Story Time for three to six year olds every third Friday of the month at 10:30 AM.
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden, 421 East 61st Street. For more info call 212-838-6878 or visit http://www.mvhm.org
The Highline
From native plants to Manhattan’s shipping history, a visit to the High Line is an opportunity for children to explore the city from a vantage point above-it-all. Take a picnic and enjoy the sunshine or check out their family events’ calendar with everything from amateur stargazing every Tuesday night to arts and crafts workshops.
The High Line from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues. Access to the High Line only at Gansevoort Street and 14th, 16th, 18th and 20th Streets. Hours: Everyday, 7 am – 10pm with last entrance at 9:45pm. For more information call 212.500.6035 or visit www.thehighline.org
Tribeca Cinema Kids Club
If you shudder at the thought of hauling your ants-in-his pants child to the local movieplex, take comfort: the nice folks at Tribeca Cinema (the same creators of the Tribeca Film Festival) have handpicked family-friendly flicks for their Kids Club screenings, now happening every other Saturday morning. Recent films include The Muppets, Gumby, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. When the credits roll the fun doesn’t stop there: each screening is accompanied by a complimentary activity including arts and crafts or live music!
Kids Club at Tribeca Cinema, 54 Varick St at Laight St. Screenings every other Saturday. Admission: $10, adults; $7, children. See show times and purchase tickets online at www.tribecafilm.com
SHOPPING
Bank Street Bookstore
It began as a bookstore for educators associated with the respected Bank Street College, but has grown into a literary hub for families of readers everywhere. 60,000 book titles, as well as games, DVDs, and CDs, line the walls of its Upper West Side location, while the knowledgeable staff prides itself on “recommending the perfect book for every child” – just one reason Citibabes’ teachers rely on this store for stories that last long after ‘circle time’ is over.
Bank Street Bookstore, Broadway & 112th St, 212.678.1654. Open Mon – Wed, 11am – 7pm; Thurs, 10am – 8pm; Fri – Sat, 10am – 6pm; Sun, 11am – 6pm. www.bankstreetbooks.com
Books of Wonder
Calling all bookworms! The oldest and largest children’s independent bookstore in New York City, Books of Wonder has it all from just-published releases to dusty, old classics. A true literary emporium, they stock titles for infants, toddlers, picture books, kids’ foreign language books, reference books for children, and even rare, out-of-print editions. A section entirely developed to Oz will have you chanting “There’s no place like Books of Wonder”.
Books of Wonder, 18 W 18th St between 5th & 6th Avenues, 212.989.3270. Open Mon – Sat, 10am – 7pm; Sun, 11am – 6pm. www.booksofwonder.com
Estella
Designer togs for fashion-forward tots, Estella NYC is the city’s it shop for basics with a twist. From their own line of easy-to-wear separates in hip prints and classic leather booties, to kid versions of grown-up, catwalk duds, Estella’s boutique was tailored to wow.
Estella, 493 Sixth Ave between 12th & 13th Streets, 212.255.3553. Open Mon – Fri, 11am – 7pm; Sat 10am- 6pm; Sun, 12pm – 5pm. www.estella-nyc.com
FAO Schwarz
The powerhouse toyshop featured in dozens of movies is the quintessential New York City stop in the celebrated tradition of shopping sprees. Do a two-step on the oversized keyboard just like Tom Hanks in Big, then cuddle up to one of their jumbo-sized stuffed animals. Finish up by fashioning a puppet of your own creation at the Muppet Whatnot Workshop. Felt was never so fun.
767 Fifth Avenue at E 58th St (212.644.9400). Subway: N, Q, R, W to Fifth Ave—59th St (W weekdays only). www.fao.com
Kidding Around
From the extravagant (think: limited edition chrome race car – big enough to drive!) to the simple (re: make your own sock puppet kits), Kidding Around continues to be voted best toy store in NYC, in part because they take play so seriously.
Kidding Around, 60 W 15th St, between 8th & 9th Avenues, 212.645.6337. Open Mon – Sat, 10am – 7pm; Sun 11am – 6pm. www.kiddingaround.us
Kisan Concept Store
Leave it to Iceland (home to Bjork, Sigur Ros and that pesky volcano) to import one of the most smokin‘ shops around for moms and tots. Packed to the max with drool-worthy finds, the merchandise here feels like the closet of a stylish, peripatetic friend who snags intricately woven handbags from Morocco and always looks effortlessly chic in sandals and a gauzy scarf. Their children’s section will leave you weak in the knees with Pepe shoes and silk-screened, t-shirt softness from Lucky Fish.
Kisan Concept Store, 125 Greene St between Houston & Prince Streets, 212.475.2470. Open Mon – Sat, 11am – 7pm; Sun, 12pm – 6 pm. www.kisanstore.com
Playing Mantis
Playing Mantis sources its natural toys from around the world, including dolls from Africa to wooden puppet sets from Hungary, all the while capturing the hearts of parents and imaginations of children. Loveable knit animals and enchanting hand-carved forests make this earthy-crunchy Tribeca shop a natural pick for conscious gift giving.
Playing Mantis, 32 N. Moore St between Varick & Hudson Streets, 646-484-6845. Open 10am – 9pm daily. www.friendlymantis.com
Space Kiddets
Need a 60’s-inspired, sequined shift dress for your posh petite? Or perhaps a cow-print rocking chair fit for a pint-sized rodeo? Then look no further than Space Kiddets’ collection of kid-approved curiosities. Stocking all that’s cute, zany and downright fun, this Flat Iron shop is out of this world. Their well-stocked pre-tween section is a must-visit.
Space Kiddets, 26 E 22nd St, between Park Ave & Broadway, 212.420.9878. Open Mon, Tues, Fri & Sat, 10:30am – 6pm; Wed & Thurs, 10:30am – 7pm; Sun, 11am – 5pm. http://www.spacekiddets.com
SHOWS
Imaginocean
Something’s fishy at John Tartaglia’s latest puppet show, Imaginocean. From the same mind who brought you Disney Playhouse’s Johnny and the Sprites and the Tony-Award winning musical, Avenue Q, this undersea adventure about three fishy friends takes place under the glow of a blacklight with camouflaged puppeteers to create the effect of floating creatures. Swing, R&B and Big Band round off this whale of a good time.
Imaginocean at New World Stages, 340 W 50th St between 8th and 9th Avenues (Tickets: www.telecharge.com). Price: $39. Show times: Sat: 11am, 2pm & 4:30pm; Sun: 12pm; Wed: 11am & 2pm. The show runs about 50 minutes, no intermission. Recommended for children ages 2 – 8 years old. www.imaginoceanthemusical.com.
The Lion King
Minskoff Theatre, 200 W 45th St between Broadway & 8th Ave (Box Office Phone: 212.869.0550) Price: $51.25 – $111.25. Show times: Wed: 2pm & 8pm; Thurs: 8pm; Fri: 8pm, Sat: 2pm & 8pm; Sun: 1pm & 6:30pm. The show runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. www.disney.go.com.
Mary Poppins
New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 W 42nd St between Broadway & 8th Ave (Box Office Phone: 212.282.2900). Price: $20 – $110. Show times: Tues: 8pm; Wed: 2pm & 8pm; Thurs: 8pm; Fri: 8pm; Sat: 2pm & 8pm; Sun: 3pm. The show runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. www.marypoppins.com.
Pinkalicious
Based on the children’s book your child can’t stop begging for at bedtime, this newly minted classic is brought to life through song and costume at Vital Theater Company in the heart of NoHo.
Pinkalicious through September 26th, 2010 at Vital Theater Company, 45 Bleecker Street at Lafayette. (Tickets: in person at box office or call 212.579.0528). Price: $29. Showtimes: Sat & Sun 1pm. www.vitaltheatre.org
ZOO
Central Park Zoo & Wildlife Center
Sea lions, polar bears, and some 200 other species inhabit this corner of Central Park. Don’t miss the penguin house where you can watch these tuxedoed creatures waddle on firm ground and swim like pros below the waterline. The Tisch Children’s Zoo houses 27 species that calmly tolerate petting. The harbor seals, penguins, and sea lions are fed publically several times a day; call ahead for a schedule.
Central Park, enter at Fifth Ave at 64th St (212.439.6500). Subway: N, R, W to Fifth Ave—59th St (W weekdays only); 6 to 68th St—Hunter College. Price: adults-$6; seniors-$1.25; children-$1; under 3-free. www.centralparkzoo.com
Soon, we hope to have more city guides like this one for urban centers all over the map – and we always encourage tips from our insider parents, so feel free to contribute by sending an email to contributors@citibabes.com.
